WELCOME TO CONVERSE MIDDLE SCHOOL GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
24 Converse Street
Palmer, Massachusetts 01069-1869
413-283-8109 phone
413-283-2655 fax
School Hours- 7:25-1:33
Our Guidance Mission Statement:
The School Counseling Program at Converse Middle School strives to promote and develop student’s learning in the academic, career, social, emotional and technological areas. We aspire to support students through individual, small group and large group counseling. We are committed to assisting our students and parents in the transition from the elementary level to the middle school environment. It is our mission as a school and community to develop students who will be active participants in their education, who will have the desire to become life-long learners, and who will be fully prepared to contribute as informed citizens in our society.
Meet the Guidance Staff:
Donna Graveline
Guidance Counselor/Social Worker
Grades 5&6 Teams- Red, Yellow and Pink
After School Night- Tuesday
Gregory Sturges
Guidance Counselor
Grades 6&7 Teams- Blue, Purple and Teal
After School Night- Monday
Upcoming Events(Dates and times are subject to change) |
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November 15-19, 2010- Anti-Bullying Week at Converse Middle School |
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November 15, 2010- Joe the Biker- Anti-Bullying Presentation |
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November 17, 2010- Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) *Anti-Bullying presentation at PHS @ 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. |
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November 22, 2010- Renaissance Program- CMS Auditorium @ 6:30 p.m Students of the Quarter @ 6 p.m- CMS Library |
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February 2010- Renaissance Program/Students of the Quarter CMS Cafeteria 8 a.m. |
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March 2010- Joe Ketschek Classic Basketball Game 7th Grade All Stars vs. The Faculty |
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April 2010- Renaissance Program/Students of the Quarter CMS Cafeteria 8 a.m. |
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June 2010- Renaissance Program/Students of the Quarter CMS Cafeteria 8 a.m. |
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June 2010- 7th Grade Step Up Day |
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What’s new in Guidance?
This year, the guidance department has made it an initiative to become a part of the classroom atmosphere on all levels. As of now, all students have a unified arts class taught by Mr. Sturges and Ms. Graveline where they will be covering various topics ranging from the development and strengthening of self-esteem, to career and future exploration. Students will be encouraged to begin to advocate for themselves and help strengthen the school community by participating in an anti-bullying program. Thanks to the Palmer Domestic Violence Task Force, we have been provided with a curriculum called the “Second Step Program.” This program focuses on the development of personal skills with an underlying anti-bullying message in each lesson. It is part of the guidance mission at Converse Middle School to help all students develop and strengthen a positive outlook on one’s self and on the school community.
We look forward to working with each and every student and family at Converse Middle School!
ANTI-BULLYING WEEK!
Both Ms. Graveline and Mr. Sturges are working towards providing the students of Converse Middle School with a week of activities intended to raise awareness of the effects of bullying in schools. This week is in line with the statewide anti-bullying week with which many other schools will be participating as well. We are fortunate to welcome “Joe the Biker” to our school on Monday November 15th to deliver his powerful message against bullying. Feel free to access Joe the Biker’s website and by clicking here and learn more about the Yubby Foundation and its mission. Also, this program has been recognized by local news reports with positive feedback and the optimistic approach to reducing bullying in schools. You can see that news clip here!
On Wednesday, November 17th, there will be a presentation by the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center (MARC) for all parents in the Palmer Public School District. The purpose of this presentation is to deliver an Anti-Bullying message to all parents. This presentation will be held in the Palmer High School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
Other events during our Converse Middle School Anti-Bullying week include a Mix-It-Up at lunch day and presentations to all of the students done with a team effort between Guidance Counselors and Administrators. In line with our current character recognition program, the trait that will be recognized during the month of November is “tolerance.” Students will be encouraged to be tolerant of others differences and unique traits. One activity that will be done to promote this is the Mix-It-Up at lunch day. For one day, students will be given a set of colored beads and will have to sit at the lunch table marked by that color. This encourages students to break out of their everyday comfort zones and try sitting with and getting to know different people. This activity was a success last year and we will recreate the same for one specific day during Anti-Bullying week.
Everyone can help to Reduce Bullying!
With the advancements made in modern technology, students have access to a number of social networking sites and instant messenger accounts from a number of locations. These accounts can be accessed from most cell phones and even some iPods or music players. Parents are encouraged to check these accounts on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter etc… Below are links to information including internet safety tips and cyber bullying preventions tips. The Worcester County District Attorney’s office website has number of informative programs for both students and parents on internet education, including safety tips and preventative measures parents can take to help reduce the threat of cyber bullying.
Parents- Please review the cell phone policy which is explained in the school handbook with your children. Cell phones are becoming a concern with the use of them (especially for text messaging) during school hours. Please remind your children that cell phones should either be left at home during the school day, or they need to be left in their locker and turned off. Thank you for your support on this issue.
PARENT RESOURCES |
Want to help your child with homework? Click here for homework tips! |
INTERNET SAFETY TIPS! Click here for more information |
Can’t understand what your children’s acronyms mean? Click here for some helpful tips! |
HELP STOP CYBERBULLYING! Tips for Prevention from the Superintendents Office. Click here for more information. |
Last Updated October 28, 2010